Please add the Hurdy-gurdy to the instruments available!

The Hurdy-Gurdy is an important instrument that is missing from Musescore! I have tried the tutorial to add an instrument, but can't get it to work, so request this is added in the next release.

A Hurdy-gurdy is a bowed, string instrument (but the bow is a circular wooden wheel, rather than a horse-hair bow). It has keys like the nykelharpa. I suggest it should sit under "bowed string instruments" and belong to the "world" and "early music" categories.

It has three main elements to the sound:
- One or more melody strings, although typical only one is used at a time. This is usually referred to by its French name, the chanterelle.
- One or more drone string, typically in the key of the piece. Like a bagpipe.
- One or more percussive drone strings, called the trompette, which can be used to create a rhythmic buzz

The instrument is not particularly standardised, but is typically available in soprano, alto and tenor variations which approximately correspond to a violin, viola and cello in range, although the instrument keyboard is generally limited to 2-2.5 octaves.

The drone is typically not changed during a piece, so does not need to be added to the score. A simple text note to say "G Drone" or equivalent is sufficient. Likewise, it is not necessary to specify the pitch of the trompette string, as this will again stay constant throughout the piece.

I would therefore suggest that the Hurdy-Gurdy needs two entries in the instrument list:

• An entry in the bowed, stringed instruments list, called "Hurdy-Gurdy" and "HG Ch." for short (meaning Hurdy-gurdy chanterelle). This should be similar to the violin in terms of range. Although the instrument comes in soprano, alto and tenor versions, the musical scores never differentiate between them.

• An entry in the Percussion - Unpitched instruments list, called "Trompette" and "HG Tr." for short. Because we are ignoring the pitch of the trompette, it can be represented in a single line percussive stave. Note that the buzz can be played for different durations, so it is not simply a "impulse" but has a duration as well which needs to be notated. I would like to be able to indicate a number above a percussive note (similar to a fingering guide on a melody) which indicates to the player where the Hurdy-crank is positioned at the start of the buzz. This number typically is based on the clock-face (e.g. 1-12).

I am ignorant as to Midi effects, but for starters a violin would suffice. Don't hesitate to contact me for more information (pehowland@gmail.com)

Paul